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LINCOLN DAY PROCLAMATION 



BY HIS EXCELLENCY 



ARAM J. POTHIER, GOVERNOR. 



Upwards of eight)' millions of people throughout the vast expanse 
of the American Republic — heirs by birth or adoption of the perfect 
freedom it symbolizes — will unite on the twelfth day of February next 
in reflective contemplation that one hundred years ago was born the 
man to whose sublime existence they owe, in large measure, that price- 
less heritage which all alike enjoy to-day. 

It is a worthy commentary on the temperament of a united people, 
living as brothers but a generation after his successful struggle for 
equality had ended, that to-day an enlightened and prosperous Ameri- 
can citizenship, blest with the fullness of learning and culture, halts 
in its irresistible onward march to bow in deferential homage to the 
lofty patriotism and magnificent spirit of Abraham Lincoln. 

Surmounting obstacles of birth and poverty beyond the comprehen- 
sion of the present age, setting a new standard for American ideals, and 
standing valiantly by the colors he implanted thereon until there was 
firmly welded the Union we glorify to-day ; the martyred President, on 
this centenary of his birth, speaks from the tomb living lessons of loyalty, 

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steadfastness, and indomitable devotion to duty — lessons which the youth 
of the land must learn, that this great Republic may endure. 

All over this broad land — in the schools and universities, from the 
forum and about the banquet board, in churches and in public institutions 
— his praises will be sung, his deeds rehearsed, and his immortal words 
will resound. 

In recognition of the nation-wide significance of the day, therefore, 
let the citizens of Rhode Island dedicate 

Friday, the 12th day of February, A. D. 1909, 

to such forms of patriotic observance as have been our custom in honor- 
ing other great historic anniversaries. 

Let there be a general suspension of business, that the day be not 
allowed to pass unheeded by our industrial classes. 

Let the school children, with patriotic exercises, assemble in their 
classrooms on this Grand Army Flag Day, that its inspiring lessons 
may become impressed upon those who are to make up our future gen- 
erations. 

And let all citizens on this day momentarily pause and reflect 
upon how much we owe the memory of Lincoln, for what we have 
and are to-day. 

As an observance of the day on the part of the State, I have 
ordered that a salute of one hundred guns be fired from the State 
House grounds at 12 o'clock noon, by a detachment of Light Battery 
A, Rhode Island National Guard. 

Given under my hand and seal this twenty- 
eighth day of January, in the year of our Lord 
[seal] one thousand nine hundred nine, and of the In- 

dependence of the United States the one hun- 
dred thirty-third. 

ARAM J. POTHIER. 

By the Governor, 

CHARLES P. BENNETT, 

Secretary of State. 



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